The more he talked about it, the more it seemed he thought it doable and prudent. The fields hadn’t been rested in a while.
Dad gave a slow nod. “After we harvest this crop, we can put the farther fields to rest and just replant the southern acreage. That makes it easy enough to get to the mill.”
Fred got to his feet. “I heard from a couple of guys in town today that there’s going to be a town meeting regarding the roads to Missoula and to Whitefish. The thoughts are that Kalispell needs to get to work and make the existing roads better. That will help a lot. But for now, I’m heading home. See you at church tomorrow.”
“There’s a great deal to consider.” Dad stretched and gave a yawn. “See you tomorrow, Fred.”
Dad’s partner gave a wave over his shoulder as he left the porch. He untied his horse and gave one final wave before heading off down the drive. Dust kicked up and blew across the front yard, reminding Carter that the rain had been sparse. Hopefully they wouldn’t have trouble with fires. It seemed every year the rains held back, dry thunderstorms would come up to set the forests in the mountains on fire. There had been a time when fires in September had burned the summer wheat as well. Farming wasn’t a risk for the faint of heart.
“I’ll head to bed too.” Carter got up off the porch rail. “I wish all of this could be settled.”
“The Lord will direct us soon enough, son. It’s our job to be ready for action.”
SUNDAY, JUNE19, 1904
Carter wasn’t all that surprised when the next day’s service reiterated that very point. The pastor had spoken of various times in the Bible when God called his people to readiness. There were requirements of the people, things that had to be done first, but God always came through with direction and deliverance.
It would be no different for them now.
Carter waited with the wagon while his father and mother told their friends good-bye. He saw Ellie from afar and gave a wave. She waved back in a shy sort of manner. Maybe she didn’t want anyone to notice that she was responding to him.
She stayed close to her father’s side. No doubt they were only there because the Ashburys made it so they couldn’t refuse. The Judge and his wife could be ... insistent. Hadn’t they all been on the receiving end of Marvella’s instructions?
He smiled. The old woman was pure energy and enthusiasm. If there was a queen of Kalispell, it was she. She kept watch over her kingdom and people as if she were born to it. The nice thing was that no one seemed to mind too much. Marvella was kind and encouraging. She might be a little too forward or too much into a person’s business at times, but it was always done out of love.
Dad joined Carter at the wagon. “We need to get on home. Your mother invited the Briggses for lunch.”
Mom gave him a wide-eyed look. “I thought it was about time I got to know Ellie better. After all, she clearly has your eye.”
Carter wasn’t fooled by that feigned innocence. “What do you mean?”
She laughed as Dad handed her up to the wagon seat. “You watch her all the time.”
“I do not!” He climbed up to sit on the small seat behind his parents. He leaned forward to see his mother’s face. “I find her interesting, but she isn’t interested in me.”
For some reason, he couldn’t share with his parents what Ellie had told him at the café. God was obviously tugging at her heart, and he didn’t want to get in the way.
“You’re such a man.” Mom shook her head. “We’ll see what happens....”
Dad climbed up and took the driver’s seat. He put the horses in motion and headed them down the road for the farm. Mother waved to a couple of her friends and then turned back to Carter.
“There’s something about her.” She smiled. “I just have a feeling.”
Carter did as well. He’d been intrigued by Ellie since they’d first encountered each other. Still, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to pursue her unless she reconciled her heart to God first. Until then, they could be friends. Plain and simple.
A pity that patience wasn’t one of his virtues.
The Brunswick farm was charming. The two-story log house with its inviting wrapping porch sat in the middle of a lush green yard that had obviously had some tender care. Flowerbeds burst with colors of red, purple, yellow, blue, and orange. The scent of roses teased her nose. Pink andcream hollyhocks lined the east side of the house, softening the rough log exterior with a feminine touch. Two rocking chairs and a small table sat just to the right of the front door. And on the left was a swing swaying in the summer breeze. It was tempting to skip lunch and sit in that swing, letting the afternoon slip by in peace.
Eleanor shook her head. That trip to the mountains must have done something to her brain. When did she ever want to sit and watch the clouds roll by?
When they sat down for lunch, she wasn’t at all sure what to expect. Marvella set a formal table at every meal, but here there was more simplicity. Mrs. Brunswick had put out fine china, but the silver was ordinary and there was no crystal. Well-used linen napkins were set at each place and the table was covered with a matching linen cloth with an oil lantern hanging down over the table.
When Carter’s father noticed Eleanor looking at the lamp he chuckled. “We don’t have electricity out here yet. One day, maybe. We still light with oil and candles, but we do all right.”
Carter shook his head. “I prefer the ease of electricity.”
“I do as well.” Father gave a hearty nod. “I also have to admit to preferring indoor conveniences and running water.”
